8 Things you need to know about your heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in most countries. It is quite important to reveal warning signs as soon as possible in order to prevent further problems. Read up on these 8 key facts and learn how to manage and improve your heart health.

Sleep seven to eight hours to protects your heart

People who sleep less than 6 hours a night show tree times the risk of developing heart disease than those who get seven to eight hours. Sleep helps to regulate insulin activity. Lack of sleep causes your more resistance to insulin that results in higher blood sugar levels and will contribute to heart disease due to weight gain. Exhaustion is another symptom of heart disease that is often ignored in females. If you notice that you are persistently exhausted, even after sleeping well, consult your physician.

Dropping just 10 lbs reduces the risk of heart disease

Sure, weight matters, but your waistline can be an even better indicator of your heart health. Females with waistlines over 40 inches and males with waistlines over 45 inches are at increased risk of heart disease. Studies show that losing even just 10 to 15% of your weight can significantly improve your heart health. And 25 to 55 minutes of aerobic exercise at least four times a week can help to strengthen your heart and reduce bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, especially if combined with a healthy diet.

Laughter actually relaxes your arteries

Laughter is truly the best medicine. The body responds to laughter by lowering stress hormone- cortisol’s levels. Having lower levels of cortisol decreases blood pressure and helps boost your immunity as well as your mood. Studies show that individuals with depression are twice as likely to have a heart attack, so be sure to add a dose of laughter to your life each day.

One drink per day can strengthen your heart

You certainly have heard that drinking a glass of red wine every day can help improve heart health because of its rich antioxidant content that help protect blood vessels of heart and may lower cholesterol. But did you know that not only red wine but beer also help? It contains high levels of vitamin B6- fighter against the homocysteine buildup, one of the damaging chemicals linked to heart disease. Always be careful not to overdo it; too much of anything is bad for you and even alcohol. It will cause high blood pressure, high triglycerides, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart muscle damage. If you do not drink, you should not start.

Knowing your family history is the main key to your healthy heart

Knowing your family history can help to stay on track with your healthy heart. If anyone in your family has experienced heart problems, your risk for developing cardiovascular disease increases. Make sure to tell your doctor about your family history.

Sex just twice a week can help your heart keep longer

This is one of the most natural ways to improve health of your heart. Studies have shown that regular sexual activity reduces blood pressure. Having sex at least two times a week has been associated to a substantial decrease in heart disease risk in men.

Snoring can be a red flag for a heart problem

Don’t ignore your snore; it is a common medical condition, which increases the risk of developing heart problems. Sleep apnea is a chronic illness that makes it difficult to breathe properly while sleeping, often resulting in snoring. Overweight people are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea increases susceptibility to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Losing a teaspoon of salt daily takes pressure off your heart

Salt is one of the most overlooked ingredients when looking at nutritional facts. High sodium is linked to development of high blood pressure and increased heart work that leads to heart disease. Check your sodium intake, especially if you are over 55 years old. Do you have high blood pressure? Then, cut out 1 tsp a day which will send you on your way to better heart health.